Fold and Weave Workshop: Mindfully Create a Little Christmas Joy

Take a pause from the end-of-year rush with a gentle day of mindfulness and making, through origami and coil weaving.Join hosts Melissa Huestis and Monique Ross for a special day of calm, creativity, and connection, held in a private, air-conditioned venue in Yeronga.Spaces for this workshop are limited to 9 places to ensure an intimate environment with plenty of time for 1:1 support as you learn. (Please note, unfortunately, our venue is not wheelchair accessible.)No mindfulness, origami, or weaving experience is needed—just come along, slow down, create, and enjoy a little space for yourself before the year draws to a close.We begin with origami card making. We'll start with a short guided grounding practice to help you slow down, settle in, and arrive fully in the space.From there, you'll create an origami Christmas card, with plenty of time to enjoy the folding and creative process without needing to rush or get it perfect.We'll then pause again to reflect on what we'd like to carry with us into the year ahead.Then, create a special New Year card for yourself, featuring an origami fan folded from beautiful Japanese paper.You'll be invited to choose a word or short phrase that reflects your intention for the year ahead, which you can write onto the folds of your fan, before writing a more personal message to yourself inside the card.You'll seal your New Year card and leave it with us, and we'll post it to you in the first week of January—a little message from yourself arriving as the new year begins.Then you'll break for lunch. You'll be invited to bring your own lunch along in an esky or cooler bag. Yeronga Park is just across the road if you'd like to wander outside for a picnic, and Evo Cafe is right downstairs if you'd prefer to buy something.We'll have a spacious 1-hour break, with plenty of time to connect with other participants. You'll also be very welcome to stay inside enjoying the air con!In the afternoon, it's weaving time. You will learn the craft of coil weaving, using the 'wrapping stitch' to create a Christmas tree ornament.Choose from a selection of premium hand-dyed raffia (in Christmas colours!) to create your unique piece.These make fantastic personal gifts for others—or for yourself!You will also learn how to apply your weaving skills to larger future projects, such as baskets or vases. This includes learning about shaping and finishing techniques.Want to keep going at home? You'll also receive a take-home making pack with everything you need to make a third card and 1-2 additional ornaments at your leisure.Your hosts:

• Melissa Huestis has over 20 years' experience in education and counselling. She helps people better understand themselves, build on their existing strengths, skills, and resilience, while developing new strategies to support lasting wellbeing.
• Monique Ross is a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and an artist who absolutely loves weaving and basketry.

As a non-Indigenous weaver, Monique is mindful of ongoing conversations around cultural appropriation and approaches her work with deep respect and care. She acknowledges the rich and enduring weaving traditions of First Nations peoples across Australia and beyond. Her own practice is through a contemporary lens—rooted in diverse craft forms, nature connection, and mindfulness. Monique does not teach or represent Indigenous cultural practices.

• A take-home card-making kit with a card, envelope, and some beautiful Japanese paper. Envelopes are provided for each card.
• Materials to make additional ornaments at home.

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